Fears over the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus may have led to the cancellation of Geneva International Motor Show 2020, but Stuttgart Retro Classics went ahead as planned from February 26 to March 1st. We were delighted to exhibit the full range of Classic Retrofit products on the Carpoint.de stand and attend the show for our first time.
The most famous classic car show in Germany is Techno Classica Essen, which takes place at the end of this month. That is a huge fair across 17 halls with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Stuttgart Retro Classics is a smaller and more personable affair. Markedly less crowded than Techno Classica, the fair has a relaxed feel and a positive atmosphere.
There was plenty of Porsche content to enjoy at this year's Retro Classics. As the event takes place right on its doorstep, Porsche pushed the boat out with a much bigger stand than at the 2019 Techno Classica. Exhibits included the Lohner Porsche: Ferdinand Porsche's first-ever hybrid with electric motors in the wheel hubs and a petrol generator set high in the chassis.
Electric vehicles are now at the heart of the Porsche product range, so it was no surprise to see a new Porsche Taycan EV and a Porsche 918 Spyder (Hybrid) on the stand from Zuffenhausen. Other exhibits on the Porsche stand included a Lime Green Porsche 911 IROC RSR and several older 911s including a beautiful short-wheelbase 2-litre car.
CarPoint's stand was a great mix of products and accessories. The impressive centrepiece was a beautifully restored early 911 Targa shell, suspended in portrait mode overhead engines, cars and many upgrade parts from its chosen suppliers. The stand had quite an impact on the audience!
Other marques which caught our eye at the show included two immaculate restorations: an Alfa Romeo Montreal and Renault Alpine A310 - both on Jonny's list of cars to own in the future. A wide range of classic Porsche racing cars was also on show including the David Piper Porsche 917 and several Group C cars: all ripe for Classic Retrofit products, including 8-pin CDI units and "Icebox" racing car air conditioning!
We enjoyed our time at the show, despite the day being extended to a very late night with a good bar around a live band and plenty of people to chat with. If you've ever wondered whether this event is worth visiting, we're happy to confirm that it is well worth the effort! Learn more at https://www.retro-classics.de/en/